Project Update (or how we spent our summer vacation)
14 July 2014 | Maine
Elizabeth (with technical input from Ed)
I've kept you in the dark lately about what we're doing on the boat because quite frankly, we weren't sure what we were going to do until last week. Our engine has been a troubling issue for quite some time. While it's run perfectly well the last few passages between the BVI, Puerto Rico, the DR, Bahamas, South Carolina and ultimately up to Maine, we knew it was a matter of time before all bets were off. We thought we could rebuild; it was painful considering a repowering (replacing the engine) option which is very pricey. It turns out the cost for the parts that needed replacing on the outside of the engine would be 2/3 the price of a new engine. And then we realized that some parts like the oil pan were no longer available to purchase. These were depressing discoveries. When it came down to it, in Ed's words, it was like we were trying to polish a turd. I think that's an apt description. At the age of 30 most diesel engines would be going strong but we think ours was neglected in its previous life to the point where the rust and corrosion on the exterior was ultimately the kiss of death. The inside of our current engine is in great shape; it doesn't burn oil and starts on a dime but the outside was another story entirely. Another consideration was that the coolant system had failed twice over the last two years resulting in engine overheating. This caused many gaskets in the coolant system to leak. It was a mess.
All this led to our decision last week to repower. We have a Westerbeke 52 which are known for expensive replacement parts. That is an unappealing prospect. Yanmar is the most popular marine diesel these days but their exhaust system and overall engine size don't match our Bristol 41. Then there's the Beta marine engines, also fairly popular these days based on the Kubota diesel. The Beta matches up with our existing exhaust system and engine room size; it also has a serpentine alternator belt set-up. Parts for the Beta are readily available at every NAPA or auto parts store around the world. The heat exchanger on the Beta is easily serviced inside and out. Ed, having owned a paving company for 18 years in a previous life and having experience with many "small" horsepower (3-150 HP) diesel engines like the Kubota feels good about the longevity and durability of the Beta/Kubota under adverse conditions or for long term cruising.
We've known several cruisers who have repowered in the past few years and have no regrets; we aren't finished with our live-aboard cruising experience and need something we can rely on. This decision will help us feel confident about continuing on our journey. We are heading off to South and Central America and don't want to worry about ordering parts for the Westerbeke in faraway places or having to work on repairs instead of having fun. In fact, Ed was ready to build a cabin in Maine rather than continuing to work on the damned thing. I said, "Buy a new engine!" because I'm not ready to give up this dream. Ed will be removing the old Westerbeke, doing as much prep work as possible before handing the project over to Yankee Marina for the installation. All that starts this week.
Other than the engine, we're doing the basic varnishing, bottom paint touch up and quite possibly will get a new headsail. It's looking pretty shabby but Ed's on the fence about that purchase because as he says, "Who needs a new sail when you have a new motor?" I beg to differ but he's only kidding anyway. We'll let you know how that decision pans out.